Son Heung-min has officially departed South Korea as he prepares to complete a high-profile move to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

The 33-year-old forward was seen at Incheon International Airport on Monday evening, boarding a flight bound for Los Angeles. The journey marks the end of an illustrious decade at Tottenham Hotspur and the beginning of a new chapter in the United States with one of MLS’s most prominent clubs.

Son is expected to land in Los Angeles at approximately 4pm local time on Monday, and according to reports from ESPN, will undergo a medical and sign the final documents on Tuesday before being officially unveiled as an LAFC player.

A Farewell Fit for a Star

Despite his reputation for humility and reserved demeanour, Son put on what onlookers described as a “historic” display of fan service prior to his departure. Roughly 250 fans gathered at Terminal 2 of Incheon Airport, many donning Tottenham kits and South Korea national team shirts, hoping for one last glimpse of the beloved star.

Son did not disappoint. Clad in a black leather jacket despite the sweltering summer heat, the South Korea captain stopped to sign autographs, pose for photos, and exchange warm words with fans. The impromptu signing session, which began at 6:10pm, lasted over 35 minutes and saw Son interact with more than 200 fans.

It was a fitting goodbye. The scene echoed a similar moment days earlier at Anyang Stadium, where Son lingered to greet fans after Tottenham’s open training session in the Korean capital. On both occasions, Son's graciousness stood in stark contrast to the often transactional nature of modern football stardom — a final reminder of why he has become not only a footballing icon but a national celebrity.

All But Done

All key terms of Son’s transfer to LAFC — including transfer fee, personal terms, and salary — have been agreed. The only steps remaining are his medical and a formal club announcement, expected to take place on August 6 (US time).

The move brings to a close a storied ten-year spell at Tottenham, during which Son scored 162 goals in 408 appearances and helped the club lift the UEFA Europa League trophy in his final season. His departure also marks the end of an era for South Korean football, as the nation's most successful football export transitions to a new league and a new continent.

For LAFC, the signing is being heralded as one of the biggest coups in MLS history — not just in sporting terms, but commercially and culturally. The club hopes Son's arrival will further energise Los Angeles’ large Korean-American community and broaden the league’s global appeal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

As Son waved goodbye to fans at the airport, one thing was clear: he leaves not just as a footballer, but as a phenomenon — a player who transcended club and country to become one of the most beloved figures in the modern game.

The next chapter now begins in California.